How to Host a Healthy Cookout

22
in Featured Recipes

Prep

10 min

Cook

10 min

Ready In

10 min

Level

Medium

Ingredients

1 lb. Hickory Nut Gap Old Timey Brisket butcher blend
½ cup zucchini, finely shredded
Salt and Pepper, to taste
4 Brioche Buns

Add These Toppings For A Healthy Twist:

Guacamole:
A classic for a reason! Avocado provides healthy fats and a creamy texture, while lime juice and other additions add a zesty flavor.
Pickled Vegetables:
Pickling adds a tangy, crunchy element and can be done with various vegetables like cucumbers, onions, or even carrots.
Microgreens:
Microgreens are a healthy addition to burgers because they are nutrient-dense, offering a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, often in higher quantities than their mature plant counterparts. They also add a pleasant crunch and flavor to the burger.

How to Host a Healthy Cookout

Using natural cleaning solutions on your grill is safer than relying on harsh chemical alternatives. These chemicals can leave behind residue that transfers to food and poses health concerns. Instead, using natural agents like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice effectively cleans your grill without the risk of ingesting unsafe substances. (2)
To make a simple, non-toxic cleaner, mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle. For a deeper clean, soak grill grates in this solution overnight and easily scrub off additional grime the next day. (2)
In addition to health concerns, chemical-based grill cleaners can also pose fire and fume hazards. When heated, some chemicals release fumes that can irritate skin and eyes and even damage the respiratory system if inhaled. (1)
We’ve all heard horror stories about someone getting a wire bristle stuck in their food — or worse, their body. Switching to a bristle-free grilling brush is a safer choice that helps prevent these dangerous accidents.
Juicy, flavorful burger patties made with a mix of meat and zucchini—perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. A simple twist on a classic favorite.

Instructions

1.Combine meat, zucchini, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2.Mix well.
3.Divide the mixture into 4 portions.
4.Use your hands to form each portion into a patty, slightly larger than your burger buns.
5.Grill the burger patties until they are done.

HEALTHY GRILLING ALTERNATIVES:

Sun’s out, grills out — it’s officially grilling season!

At Earth Fare, our high standards ensure that customers are not only purchasing products made with the best ingredients, but also ones that are sustainably sourced. Sustainably sourced meat is held to environmental and ethical standards of production, where animal welfare and land conservation are the top priorities. This means animals are raised with room to roam in open pastures, instead of being confined to cramped living quarters.

While the meat industry is highly energy-intensive, many sustainable farms use waste management techniques that reduce emissions, maintain soil health, and require fewer resources. (4) When shopping, look for labels such as Pasture-Raised, Certified Humane, or Free-Range to choose meat that’s good for both your body and the planet.

Choosing a better burger the Earth Fare way means choosing meat that is just meat — free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Many farms inject their animals with antibiotics or raise them in unsanitary conditions, yet still sell their meat to consumers. Treating animals with antibiotics before they are sick can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, posing a serious health concern. (5)

Instead, choosing natural, ethical methods of beef production — as the Earth intended — is more sustainable and healthier. Grass-fed beef is a better option than grain-fed, as it has fewer calories and less fat, and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Look for labels like 100% Grass-Fed and USDA Organic to power your cookout with confidence. (3)

And to top it off… toppings! Elevate your burgers with a colorful assortment of fresh, organic produce for the ultimate summer meal. For a surprising crunch, swap classic lettuce with cabbage and let the chewing do the rest. Go the barbeque route and spread Yo Mama’s Hickory BBQ sauce that is Boot List certified, keto friendly, and gluten free. Add a spicy twist with organic jalapenos atop melted pepper jack cheese to really fire up your flavor.

Want more ideas? Check out Earth Fare’s Favorites!

SOURCES

(1) https://www.markel.com/insights-and-resources/insights/hazardous-chemicals-and-restaurant-safety

(2) https://ecogrillessentials.com/blog/grill-clean-grill-green-sustainable-cleaning-products/#:~:text=Traditional%20grill%20cleaners%20often%20contain,for%20ourselves%20and%20the%20planet.

(3) https://www.gobble.com/blog/sustainably-sourced-meat/

(4) https://foodprint.org/eating-sustainably/eating-meat-sustainably/#:~:text=Farmers%20who%20produce%20pasture%2Draised,that%20come%20from%20animals’%20manure.

(5) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antibiotics-in-your-food#TOC_TITLE_HDR_10

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